Three-Dimensional Bimetallic Ammonium K–Eu Nitrate with a Rare (6,6)-Connected Ion Topology Exhibiting Structural Phase Transition and Photoluminescence Properties

Abstract

A K–Eu bimetallic ammonium metal-nitrate three-dimensional (3D) framework incorporating R-N-methyl-3-hydroxyquinuclidine, (RM3HQ)2KEu(NO3)6 (RM3HQ = R-N-methyl-3-hydroxyquinuclidine, 1), was characterized and reported. Distinguishing from the former hybrid rare-earth double perovskites, 1 adopts a mixed corner- and face-sharing K+/Eu3+-centered polyhedral connectivity to form a 3D inorganic framework, showing a rare (6, 6)-connected ion topology with a 66 framework. Notably, 1 exhibits clear phase transition, and the switchable thermodynamic behavior is confirmed by variable-temperature dielectric measurements and second-harmonic generation response. Moreover, 1 also shows photoluminescence properties. The activator Eu3+ plays a crucial role in this process, leading to a significant narrow emission at 592 nm with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 20.76%. The fluorescence lifetime (FLT) of 1 is 4.32 ms. This finding enriches the bimetallic hybrid system for potential electronic and/or luminescence applications.